I saw an Administrative Law Judge about my disability case back in August,and yesterday I received my decision letter. However,I haven't opened it yet. I'm too scared to just yet! I've been waiting so long and have struggled, scrimped,and scrounged for 3 years. My 11 year old son keeps asking me when we're ever going to get a car (I'm a single mom and don't have one),and I keep telling him hopefully very soon. If I get denied it's going to crush me so much that I'm afraid I'll go into an even deeper depression than I'm already in now. Basically,before I open it I wanted to ask if a fairly thick letter is usually an approval or denial...or does anyone really know? I'm so worried!
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sweetcheeks7873
Last edited by Administrator; 11-08-2011 at 06:16 AM.
The following user gives a hug of support to sweetcheeks7873: sunni123 (11-06-2011)
I would think the size of the envelope would not matter as far as the ALJ's decision goes. They have to issue you either an approval or denial letter after the ALJ hearing. The letter simply tells you why you were approved or denied. I can understand and appreciate your anxiety about opening the letter but the only way you will know is to open it and read it like Pup said. I hope it is good news for you. Please update when you decide to open.
Before you open it, mentally prepare yourself. think to yourself what your going to do if it is a deniel, such as appeal or close out the claim amd start over. If it is a approval think about how you want to celebrate .PLease remeber that whatever happens you will have options, it will not be the end of the road for you.
The Following User Says Thank You to mscat40 For This Useful Post: sweetcheeks7873 (11-06-2011)
I'm trying for my disabilty based on my bipolar disorder,fibromyalgia,migraine headaches,and panic/anxiety disorder. Many of my meds make me very sleepy,so there's no way I can work!
My letter was very thick and the return address included "Office of Disability Adjudication and Review". The decision can be made at the hearing or a month or more later depending on the complexity of the case and the judge hearing the case.
If you win the first page will say "Notice of Decision - Fully Favorable". All the other pages will be information by the judge on how the decision was reached.
Even if won that is only the first step. SSDI will then have to process your pay history and determine how much pay you get each month and what back time is owed. If SSI is also owed then that will separately determined afterwords. The whole process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
I'm trying for my disabilty based on my bipolar disorder,fibromyalgia,migraine headaches,and panic/anxiety disorder. Many of my meds make me very sleepy,so there's no way I can work!
I was approved for panic disorder, GAD, and depression and given a 3 year CDR. When do you plan on opening the letter? I hope the decision is fully favorable.
I'm trying for my disabilty based on my bipolar disorder,fibromyalgia,migraine headaches,and panic/anxiety disorder. Many of my meds make me very sleepy,so there's no way I can work!
All my impairments are for Mental Health reasons, and severely burned, i was approved in 07 , and have not gotten a review. i hope you will win , please come back and let us know.
The Following User Says Thank You to mscat40 For This Useful Post: sweetcheeks7873 (11-06-2011)
I know,weird,huh? I'm going to open it,as it is the only way I'll know what my next step is. It's just that I have so much riding on this,and I already suffer from horrible depression; if this is a denial it's like my hope for a better life will be gone and the struggling will continue. I'm so tired of waiting. My son is so anxious to have a car,as am I,and it's going to break his heart if I have to tell him that we're not getting one. I'm always letting him down. I guess I'm scared because I know the disappointment will be so great,and I'm already in a fragile mental state. Makes sense?
I know,weird,huh? I'm going to open it,as it is the only way I'll know what my next step is. It's just that I have so much riding on this,and I already suffer from horrible depression; if this is a denial it's like my hope for a better life will be gone and the struggling will continue. I'm so tired of waiting. My son is so anxious to have a car,as am I,and it's going to break his heart if I have to tell him that we're not getting one. I'm always letting him down. I guess I'm scared because I know the disappointment will be so great,and I'm already in a fragile mental state. Makes sense?
Yeah it makes sense but by not opening, you are probably increasing your anxiety levels. Have you talked to your attorney before you received this letter?
I opened mine about 3 seconds after the mailman put it in the mailbox. I was approved for bipolar. I was told I would get a 1 yr CDR but haven't received one yet and I was approved 6/10
You knowit maybe something you have to reply to and maybe date senative, I hope you do get someone to be with you while you open it. It is sad how this whole process brings people to the breek. Sadly are happily it is what it is I would open it in case you need to respond to it. Do they have your banking account info. I would get all the support around you and then open the letter are have a friend do it. Please keep us posted eighter way.Good Luck we are all pulling for you.
The following user gives a hug of support to jgrangran: sweetcheeks7873 (11-07-2011)
I understand how you can feel anxious about a decision, especially after she has so much riding on a approval. When times have been tough the desison letter could make you or break you. I know I always open a social security letter right away, I am one of those who have to know .
Last edited by Administrator; 11-08-2011 at 06:45 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to mscat40 For This Useful Post: sweetcheeks7873 (11-07-2011)
I saw an Administrative Law Judge about my disability case back in August,and yesterday I received my decision letter. However,I haven't opened it yet. I'm too scared to just yet! I've been waiting so long and have struggled, scrimped,and scrounged for 3 years. My 11 year old son keeps asking me when we're ever going to get a car (I'm a single mom and don't have one),and I keep telling him hopefully very soon. If I get denied it's going to crush me so much that I'm afraid I'll go into an even deeper depression than I'm already in now. Basically,before I open it I wanted to ask if a fairly thick letter is usually an approval or denial...or does anyone really know? I'm so worried!
